







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Really? Sade is one of my favourites, too. | |
| Yes, it's in Piccadilly Circus right in the centre. | |
| What's up? Is everything okay? | |
| Do you have any relatives in London? | |
| Do we have any bread to toast? | |
| How old are you? | |
| Is there a problem with your phone battery? | |
| Is it a single or a double room? | |
| He wouldn't run away, he just wants to check what's outside. | |
| Calm down dear, I don't think he realises what he says. | |
| Yes, that's a good idea. | |
| Oh sorry, unfortunately, that one is reserved. | |
| Why do you think it's weird? | |
| He is a Chow Chow. | |
| Hello Beatrix, it's me, Cate. | |
| My rent is monthly, I pay £600 per month. | |
| Yeah, it's better not to fully fill the bath, it leaks downstairs. | |
| Sure! Why is it so important to you? | |
| A flat is not a good idea for Bear, it doesn't have a garden. | |
| I am 24. | |